JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

WEijLINGTON, Aug 4, FINANCIAL DEBATE ENDS.

Tne financial debale, which was first order of the day to-day came to a surprisingly sudden termination. At least twenty .members were anxious to speak, but most of them were out of the House preparing their speeches when the debate was resumed this afternoon .

Mr Hunter (Waipawa) was the first speaker, and he did not occupy much time. Me sat dowp and. the Speaker proceeded to put the question. The Opposition and Labour benches were half deserted, and nobody was ready to speak,

MR MASSEY SCORES. Mr Massey with a broad smile bad started, to reply before the House realised what was happening. Then as he proceeded, dismayed members with their pockets bulging with notes, hurried into the Chamber. They were too late, and had to content themselves with the prospect of m'a king some, use of the ten minute spells allowed them cn the first item of the Estimates, rather a poor substitute for the. full hour allowed in the financial debate. Mr Massey mentioned flint the shipping question had been referred to the Stock Committee which had been asked to arrange for an inquiry as to whether ships were likely t(> be available for transport of New Zealand produce and imports during the next two or three years, would be sufficient, and as to freights. After speaking at some length, Mr Massey announced then that he intended to take the first item of the Estimates.

ESTIMATES TAKEN, Mr \Y ill'ord (Deputy Leader qf the Opposition) protested. He pointed out tljint many members were absent, and tllat nobody bad expected the debate to end so quickly. The dispussiqn on the first item of the Estimates was the last opportunity for a genera) debate, but Mr Massey was not prepared to abandon Ins advantage and the discussion in committee proceeded. THE NAVAL POLICY.

Opposition speeches in the Budget debate paid a good deal of attention to the naval policy aqd sugar contract. Mr AVilford pointed put the Government had not fulfilled its promise ' to give the House nq opportunity to discuss Adipirql Jejlicoc’s report. It was now proposing tp burden the country with a light cruiser which would be costly in peace time and useless in war time, "siqce It would not be powerful enough to mpet the ships of any probable enemy. A weak warship .could neither fight nor run; said Mr AVilford, and since New Zealand could not affoid to have first- class ships it had better concentrate on submarines and aeroplanes'for defensive purposes. Mr Massey said that an opportunity would bo given for discussion of the naval policy ibis session, hut the Opposition retorted that the policy had already been decided.

THE “WETS.” AATN. AVELLINGTON, August 4 Parliament’s vote on the question of the safe of liquor in Bellamy's resulted iipa win for the “wets” by 74 votes to 41. The majority of 33 is smaller than Was expected . , ' - government caucus. A Government'cartcus Was held to-day, Mr Massey made a statement' regarding the work of the session. The discussion is reported to have been full and friendly-""" ’ '

opposition meet. Liberal members met and appointed Mr AVilford as acting Leader of the Opposition duripg the absence of Mr MacDonald. The illnep of jpader of the Opposition is not considered j)iit He must rest for several weeks. ’He hm? bee? \ handicapped since flip start of the session by ill health ape} flm Government owes to tins fact the pseapp from much serious criticism. TfJE ESTIMATES.

The House discussed thp fjrs|> item of , the Estimates until after midnight, be- . fore passing it. The immigration policy, qjid indentured labour had a large shqre of attention. Mv Massey was acciised by pie opposition of a breach qf faith regarding indentured labour, since the promise had been given last session that no more Chinese would .be imported until the House was given an opportunity to review the matter, j Mr Massey denied that any definite promise had beep given. j WESTLANdIS NEEDS. ' WELLINGTON, This Day. A)r Sgddpn speaking last njght, urged Government strongly te give? improved railway facilities to sawmillers on the West Coast. He stated that the production of timber was hampered by thq Jfiqk of both storage and transport. The district could supply more timber at lower prices if better facilities were provided. Mil Spddon also urged heed of bos- . tels at Greymouth and Hokitika for \ the use of country children wishing to secure secondary education. !